HK braces for more hot days with Dolphin fuelling heat

Hong Kong is bracing for record-breaking heat early this week, with temperatures potentially reaching 37 degrees Celsius or higher on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Observatory. The extreme conditions are being fueled by Tropical Cyclone Dolphin, which is currently traversing eastern China. As the storm's outer subsiding air sweeps across the territory, it is bringing unusually high temperatures to the region.

This weather pattern is anticipated to continue through Wednesday and Thursday before gradually subsiding once Dolphin has dissipated.

Senior scientific officer Cheung Ping explained the prolonged heatwave on an RTHK radio programme, detailing the storm's path and its influence on Hong Kong's weather patterns. He noted that after a day or two, the weather is expected to become less stable, featuring more clouds and potential rain. By the end of the week, the hot weather should begin to subside.

The Observatory advised residents to stay well-hydrated and refrain from engaging in strenuous outdoor activities during the heatwave. The government has also addressed concerns over Hong Kong's heat stress warning system, following the city's hottest day on record, which prompted the issuance of the lowest-level amber warning on Sunday.

While temperature is a significant factor in heat stress, the government clarified that humidity and wind conditions also play crucial roles. A spokesman emphasized that the low humidity and favorable wind conditions on Sunday warranted the issuance of the amber warning per established protocols. However, Fay Siu, chief executive of the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims, argued that authorities should adopt international standards.

She pointed to data collected using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature – an international metric for measuring environmental heat stress on the human body – suggesting that many days would have required red or even black work warnings under this system. Siu urged authorities to explore ways to bridge this discrepancy.